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Statement by President Higgins on the death of a member of the Defence Forces serving on a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon

Date: Thu 15th Dec, 2022 | 06:49

“It is with the deepest sorrow that I was this morning informed of the news of the death of a member of the Defence Forces serving on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

As a people, we take great pride in our unbroken record of peacekeeping with the United Nations. However, we must never forget the dangers that come with this work, or how the members of our Defence Forces serving on peacekeeping missions abroad risk their lives every day in order to build and maintain peace in conflict zones across the world.

As President of Ireland and Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, it is with a heavy heart, and conscious of the great loss it will represent to them, that I offer my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the member of the Defence Forces who has lost their life. A life lost serving the people of Ireland, serving the United Nations, and serving all those wishing for peace in our shared world.

The news will come as a great shock to the family and wider circle of all those who have served the cause of peace with pride on behalf of the people of Ireland. I know that the members of the Defence Forces will reach out to each other following this tragedy, as will the people of Ireland.

May I also wish a speedy recovery to those other members of the Defence Forces injured in the incident. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”